Median rent is 2% lower in Raleigh ($1,468/mo vs $1,504/mo). Buying is cheaper in Charlotte, where the median home runs $351,500 versus $377,800. Households earn more in Raleigh ($82,424 vs $78,438 a year). Taken together, Charlotte is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.8 against 98.3 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Raleigh, NC.
Quick verdict
Charlotte is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.8 in Charlotte vs 98.3 in Raleigh (US average = 100)
City A
Charlotte, NC
City B
Raleigh, NC
How much would you need to earn in Raleigh, NC to maintain your standard of living from Charlotte, NC?
Equivalent salary in Raleigh, NC
$76,191
You'd need $1,191 more (2% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Charlotte
North Carolina
Raleigh
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,504/mo in Charlotte and $1,468/mo in Raleigh. Median home values are within 7% of each other: $351,500 in Charlotte and $377,800 in Raleigh.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Raleigh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 4.75% in North Carolina; Raleigh has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Charlotte
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Raleigh
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Both cities have similar air quality: Charlotte averages 55.0 AQI (Moderate) and Raleigh averages 54.0 AQI (Moderate).
Is Charlotte cheaper than Raleigh?
Charlotte is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.8 versus 98.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Charlotte.
How much is rent in Charlotte vs Raleigh?
Median rent is $1,504/mo in Charlotte, NC and $1,468/mo in Raleigh, NC. Raleigh, NC has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Charlotte or Raleigh?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte, NC and $82,424 in Raleigh, NC. Raleigh, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Raleigh, NC has better air quality on average: 54.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Charlotte or Raleigh?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Raleigh, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Charlotte income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Charlotte, NC is equivalent to roughly $101,588 in Raleigh, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology